On the second day of the Paris Airshow, Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and ATR all bagged a significant number of orders.
Alongside, Singapore Airlines has been named the World’s Best Airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, with Qatar Airways ranked 2nd and ANA All Nippon Airways in 3rd place.
Qantas Orders Nine Additional Airbus A220s
Qantas Group has firmed up an order for nine additional Airbus A220-300s, bringing its total backlog for the single-aisle type to 29 aircraft.
Originally chosen as part of Qantas’ major fleet replacement program announced in May 2022, which also featured orders for the A321XLR and A350-1000, the decision to add more A220s was initially announced by the carrier in February this year.
“We are pleased to announce this incremental order from Qantas. Best in class, the A220 will be the perfect platform for a domestic network that includes everything from short hops to flights of five hours and beyond.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
The delivery of Qantas’ first A220 is scheduled for the end of this year. After which the airline will primarily deploy these aircraft on its extensive domestic route network.
Philippine Airlines Finalises Order For Nine A350-1000s
Philippine Airlines has finalised an order for nine A350-1000 aircraft at the airshow. Earlier in May this year, the carrier had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of these A350-1000s with an option for three additional aircraft.
These A350-1000s will be delivered starting in 2025 and will feature 380 seats in a three-class configuration with 42 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy and the rest in standard economy. The airline has also said that its Boeing 777 fleet will be retired by mid-2025.
“We selected the A350-1000 to give PAL the power to match capacity closely to predicted demand on both the very longest routes to the North American East Coast but also on our prime trunk routes to the West Coast and potentially to Europe as well.”
Captain Stanley K. Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines.
The new A350s will be part of the airlines’ Ultra Long Haul Fleet project. They will be operated on non-stop flights from Manila to North America, including destinations on the East Coast of the US and Canada. The A350-1000s will be joining the two A350-900s which are already in service with the Manila-based carrier.
China Airlines Firms Eight 787 Dreamliners
China Airlines has finalized an order for eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners during the 2023 Paris Air Show. This firm order, previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website, complements the airline’s initial order for 16 787-9s announced last year. This is Boeing’s first order at the 2023 Paris Air Show.
In addition, China Airlines has also become the latest customer to opt for the 787-10 variant by converting six of its previously ordered 787-9s. By choosing the largest member of the 787 family, the Taiwan-based carrier aims to enhance flexibility and increase capacity on its regional network, in response to the growing passenger demand.
These additional Dreamliners will be delivered from 2026 onwards and will be allocated to regional, Oceania, and long-haul routes.
With the addition of eight more Dreamliners, the total number of 787s in China Airlines’ fleet will reach 24. All of the aircraft are to be delivered by 2028. The Taiwan-based carrier plans to configure these aircraft in a three-class configuration with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy class cabins.
Air Algérie Orders Eight Boeing 737 MAX Jets
Air Algérie has confirmed an order for eight Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets. In addition, the Algerian flag carrier also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). This move aligns with Air Algérie’s strategy to meet the growing demand for cargo transportation in the region.
Currently, Air Algérie operates a single-aisle fleet of 31 737 NGs, alongside one 737-800 BCF. The MAX 9 order has been on Boeing’s order book for some time as an unidentified customer.
“The 737-9 is ideally suited for Air Algérie’s regional network, providing it with additional capacity and flexibility to operate seamlessly with its existing 737 fleet. In addition, the highly reliable and capable 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters will enable Air Algerie to capture growing cargo opportunities, expanding beyond its passenger business.”
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Avolon Orders 40 Boeing 737 MAX Jets
Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company has announced an order for 40 737 MAX aircraft at the Paris Air Show. According to reports, all of these will be the -8 variant of the MAX family.
This order has been on Boeing’s order book for some time as an unidentified customer.
“Today’s announcement reaffirms our long-standing partnership with Boeing and our support for their 737 MAX program. We are confident in the long-term demand from our customers for the 737 MAX, and this order extends our delivery pipeline out to 2030.”
Andy Cronin, CEO, Avolon
Air India Finalizes Order for Up to 290 Boeing Aircraft
Boeing and Air India have announced that they have finalized an order for the acquisition of up to 290 new Boeing jets and expanded services. During a special signing ceremony at the 2023 Paris Air Show, the companies commemorated this momentous purchase, which involves Boeing’s single-aisle and widebody jets.
Earlier in February, the Indian flag carrier had announced that it will be ordering 470 planes, including an order for 220 Boeing planes plus 70 options.
Valued at $34 billion at current list prices, the order includes 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliner, and 10 777X aircraft. Moreover, the deal also includes options for 50 additional 737 MAX and 20 787-9 aircraft.
“This acquisition of nearly 300, highly advanced Boeing jets is a core element of Vihaan.AI, the comprehensive transformation and growth strategy we are pursuing at Air India.”
Campbell Wilson, CEO, and MD, Air India.
Air India Finalizes Order for 250 Airbus Aircraft
Air India has also firmed up its order for 250 Airbus aircraft and selected an Airbus maintenance and digital package to power the airline’s transformation and growth strategy.
The multi-billion dollar deal includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets. The airline had signed a Letter of Intent to acquire these aircraft earlier in February 2023.
“We are excited to be a key partner in the renaissance of the Flying Maharaja. The Airbus services package is a perfect future-oriented choice that will form a core element of Air India’s transformation.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.
Volaris Discloses Order for 25 Airbus A321neos
Volaris, the Mexican ultra-low-cost airline has disclosed the inclusion of 25 A321neo aircraft from a purchase agreement initially signed in October 2022. This brings their total backlog to 143 aircraft with the European planemaker.
With a strong focus on fleet renewal and expansion, these acquisitions, equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines, will play a crucial role in supporting the airline’s continuous growth.
“These A321neos will support our long-term business viability and sustainability strategy, while moving us closer to operating an all-NEO fleet by 2028. Our 143 aircraft backlog demonstrates Volaris financial strength and will guarantee our growth in the Mexican market as well as in routes to the United States and Central America.”
Enrique Beltranena, Volaris President and Chief Executive Officer.
ATR Receives Order for 22 Aircraft
During the second day of the Paris Air Show, ATR, the leading turboprop manufacturer, announced an impressive lineup of orders for its latest generation aircraft.
Among the highlights, Taiwanese carrier Mandarin Airlines placed an order for six ATR 72-600s. Berjaya Air opted for two ATR 72-600s in an all-business configuration. Both of Berjaya Air’s aircraft will be in an “All-Business Class” configuration, which is part of the new ATR HighLine premium collection of cabin interiors.
“These new aircraft orders demonstrate clear recovery signs from South-East Asia, traditionally one of ATR’s largest markets.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR
Azul, on the other hand, confirmed three orders for ATR 72-600 with two additional options. Additionally, ATR received a significant order from undisclosed customers, totalling 11 aircraft. The undisclosed customers ordered eight ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, further strengthening the demand for ATR’s advanced turboprop aircraft.
Embraer Bags Order for 38 Aircraft
Embraer, while not grabbing as many headlines as Airbus and Boeing, has secured notable orders for its aircraft. The manufacturer recently unveiled four orders, during a media briefing on the second day of the ongoing Paris Air Show.
Binter Canarias, based in the Canary Islands, has placed a firm order for six Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, bringing Binter’s E2 fleet to 16 jets when delivered. At the list price, the deal is valued over $500 million, with deliveries commencing in the second half of 2024. Each E195-E2 in Binter’s configuration accommodates 132 passengers in a single-class layout.
American Airlines has also placed an order for seven E175s. The aircraft will be operated by American’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Envoy Air. With deliveries to begin in the last quarter of 2023. This order will expand Envoy Air’s fleet to 141 aircraft by the end of the year.
Florida-based Azorra has finalized an order for 15 E195-E2 aircraft, with a total value exceeding $1.2 billion at the list price. Six of these aircraft will be operated by Royal Jordanian, whereas the remaining E195-E2s will be operated by SKS Airways.
“Azorra has a long-standing partnership with Embraer and owns and manages a portfolio (including our order book) of more than 100 Embraer E1, E2, and Phenom aircraft, making Azorra one of the largest lessors of Embraer aircraft.”
Ron Baur, President of Azorra
Additionally, Avolon, a leading aircraft lessor, has also signed a sale and leaseback agreement for 10 new Embraer E-195-E2 aircraft. These jets are destined for Porter Airlines, which has a total of 50 E195-E2s on order. This order also marks the first of Embraer’s advanced new E2 aircraft to join Avolon’s fleet.
Skytrax World’s Best Airlines Award Winners Announced
Singapore Airlines has been voted the World’s Best Airline at the 2023 World Airline Awards. This is the fifth time that the airline has scooped the Airline of the Year title in the 23-year history of the awards. Qatar Airways ranked 2nd and ANA All Nippon Airways in 3rd place, out of more than 325 airlines included in the survey results.
- Best Airline: Singapore Airlines
- Best First Class: Singapore Airlines
- Best Business Class: Qatar Airways
- Best Premium Economy Class: EVA Air
- Best Economy Class: Japan Airlines
- Best Low-Cost Airline: AirAsia
- Most Improved Airline: Kuwait Airways
- Cleanest Airline: ANA All Nippon Airways
- Best Cabin Crew: Garuda Indonesia
- Best Inflight Entertainment: Cathay Pacific
- Best Airline in North America: Delta Air Lines
- Best Airline in Europe: Turkish Airlines
- Best Airline in Africa: Ethiopian Airlines
Boeing To Send A 777X To Emirates For Route Proving Runs in 2024
Boeing and General Electric have agreed to send a test 777-9 to Emirates for about two months of route-proving runs next year, as confirmed by Leeham News and Analysis (LNA) on the sidelines of a Boeing event in conjunction with the Paris Air Show.
The proving runs are a critical part of the aircraft certification process, and they will allow the Dubai-based carrier to evaluate the performance of the aircraft on its own routes. The aircraft will be flown on a variety of routes, including long-haul flights from Dubai to Los Angeles, New York, and Sydney. The proving runs will allow Emirates to assess the aircraft’s performance in terms of fuel efficiency, range, and passenger comfort.
Emirates was supposed to take delivery of its first 777X as early as December 2019. Now, Boeing expects the first delivery of the aircraft in 2025. However, Emirates’ Sir Tim Clark is concerned that the delivery will slip to 2026.
As the 777X program has been delayed several times, and Emirates has been vocal about its concerns about the program, the proving runs are a significant step forward for the 777X program. The proving runs will help to address these concerns and ensure that the 777X is nearing completion for commercial service.
Boeing hopes that the proving runs will help to demonstrate that the aircraft is meeting expectations, and it will help to build confidence among potential customers.
Feature Image via Boeing